Author: Gargi

Significant Step to Initiate Trust & Security in India’s Digital landscape; DPDP Act 2025

Significant Step to Initiate Trust & Security in India’s Digital landscape; DPDP Act 2025

Continue Reading

Denial of Service Vulnerability in DNS Security Feature of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS 

Summary 

OEM Palo Alto 
Severity High 
CVSS 8.7 
CVEs CVE-2024-3393 
Exploited in Wild  No 
Patch/Remediation Available Yes 
Advisory Version 1.0 

Overview 

A Denial-of-Service vulnerability in the DNS Security feature of Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software allows an unauthenticated attacker to send a malicious packet through the data plane of the firewall that reboots the firewall. Repeated attempts to trigger this condition will cause the firewall to enter maintenance mode.  

Vulnerability Name CVE ID Product Affected Severity Affected Version 
(DoS) in DNS Security Using a Specially Crafted Packet CVE-2024-3393   Palo Alto High PAN-OS 11.2 – < 11.2.3* PAN-OS 11.1 – < 11.1.5* PAN-OS 10.2 – >= 10.2.8*, <10.2.14* PAN-OS 10.1 – >= 10.1.14*, <10.1.15* 

Technical Summary 

CVE ID System Affected Vulnerability Details Impact 
CVE-2024-3393   Palo Alto PAN-OS CVE-2024-3393 is a high-severity DoS vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS exists in the DNS Security feature, where malformed DNS packets are improperly parsed and logged. If exploited, this vulnerability enables an unauthenticated attacker to remotely trigger a firewall reboot. Repeated exploitation attempts can cause the firewall to enter maintenance mode. CISA added it to the KEV catalog, with patching required by January 20, 2025.     Dos – Denial-of-Service 

Remediation

  • Update: Ensure that the appropriate patches or updates are applied to the relevant PAN-OS versions as listed below 
PAN-OS Version Fixes and Releases 
PAN-OS 11.1 11.1.2-h16, 11.1.3-h13, 11.1.4-h7, 11.1.5 
PAN-OS 10.2 10.2.8-h19, 10.2.9-h19, 10.2.10-h12, 10.2.11-h10, 10.2.12-h4, 10.2.13-h2, 10.2.14 
PAN-OS 10.1 10.1.14-h8, 10.1.15 
PAN-OS 10.2.9-h19 Only applicable to Prisma Access 
PAN-OS 10.2.10-h12 Only applicable to Prisma Access 
PAN-OS 11.0 No fix (reached end-of-life status on November 17, 2024) 

Recommendations: 

  • Avoid Using EOL Versions: 
  • PAN-OS 11.0 is end-of-life (EOL) as of November 17, 2024. Ensure that you are not using this version and upgrade to be supported versions. 
  • Monitoring & Incident Response: 
  • Regularly monitor firewall logs for unusual behavior, especially DoS triggers. 
  • For Prisma Access Users (Workaround): 
  • Disable DNS Security logging across all NGFWs if patching cannot be applied immediately. This can be done by opening a support case with Palo Alto Networks. 

References: 

Adobe released Security updates Addressing critical ColdFusion vulnerability with (PoC) Exploit code

Adobe released security updates (APSB24-107) addressing an arbitrary file system vulnerability ColdFusion, identified as CVE-2024-53961,  is linked to a path traversal weakness with proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit code.

This could allow attackers to exploit the flaw and gain unauthorized access to arbitrary files on vulnerable servers. 

As per the updates Adobe ColdFusion versions 2023 and 2021 that addressed an arbitrary file proof-of-concept may enable attackers to read arbitrary files on vulnerable servers, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data exposure warns of critical ColdFusion bug with PoC exploit code.

Summary:

“Adobe is aware that CVE-2024-53961 has a known proof-of-concept that could cause an arbitrary file system read,” Adobe earlier gave statement cautioning customers that it assigned a “Priority 1” severity rating to the flaw because it has a “a higher risk of being targeted, by exploit(s) in the wild for a given product version and platform.”

Key findings:

  • The vulnerability, CVE-2024-53961, affects ColdFusion 2021 and 2023.
  • Adobe has provided a patch to address the issue.
  • The vulnerability can potentially lead to unauthorized access and data exposure
  • The flaw has been given a Priority 1 severity rating, the highest possible level, due to its potential for exploitation in the wild.
  • Adobe has highlighted the critical nature of these updates and classified the vulnerability with a CVSS base score of 7.4, signifying a threat to the security of affected systems. 

Adobe has issued advisory

  • Monitor systems for any signs of exploitation.
  • Adobe has provided a patch to address the vulnerability remediation to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
  • Consider implementing file system monitoring and logging to detect and prevent unauthorized file access.

Path traversal weakness in ColdFusion; CVE-2024-53961

What is Path Traversal?

Hackers uses a tactics by Tricking a web application into displaying the contents of a directory that was not on request by user to gain access to sensitive files on a server.

The path traversal weakness in ColdFusion could be exploited by an attacker to perform unauthorized file system reads on affected servers.

This means that an attacker could manipulate file paths to access sensitive files that are otherwise restricted. This kind of vulnerability can lead to exposure of critical system information, unauthorized access and data exposure.

Reference: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/adobe-warns-of-critical-coldfusion-bug-with-poc-exploit-code/

Sophisticated Phishing Attack Exposed Over 600,000 Users to Data Theft; 16 Chrome Extensions Hacked

A sophisticated phishing attack exposed 600, 000 user data to theft as 16 Chrome Extensions got hacked amounting to credential theft. The attack targeted extension publishers through phishing emails where Developers were tricked into granting access to a malicious OAuth app via fake Chrome Web Store emails. The malicious update mimicked official communications from the Chrome Web Store, stealing sensitive user data.

This breach puts Facebook ad users at high risk of account hacking or unknown access

Summary of the attack

The phishing email was designed to create a sense of urgency posing as Google Chrome Web Store Developer Support, warns the employee of the extension removal for policy violations. The message urges the recipient to accept the publishing policy.

As per Cyberhaven, a cybersecurity firm report mentioned about the impacted firms as the attack occurred on December 24 and involved phishing a company employee to gain access to their Chrome Web Store admin credentials.

16 Chrome Extensions, including popular ones like “AI Assistant – ChatGPT and Gemini for Chrome,” “GPT 4 Summary with OpenAI,” and “Reader Mode,” were compromised, exposing sensitive user data.

Response & Recommendations:

The attackers targeted browser extension publishers with phishing campaigns to gain access to their accounts and insert malicious code.
Extensions such as “Rewards Search Automator” and “Earny – Up to 20% Cash Back” were used to exfiltrate user credentials and identity tokens, particularly from Facebook business accounts.
Malicious versions of extensions communicated with external Command-and-Control (C&C) servers, such as domains like “cyberhavenext[.]pro.”

  • Cyberhaven released a legitimate update (version 24.10.5), hired Mandiant to develop an incident response plan and also notified federal law enforcement agencies for investigation.
  • All users advised to revoke credentials, monitor logs, and secure extensions; investigations continue.
  • As per Cyberhaven, version 24.10.4 of Chrome extension was affected, and the malicious code was active for less than a day.
  • The malicious extension used two files: worker.js contacted a hardcoded C&C server to download configuration and executed HTTP calls, and content.js that collected user data from targeted websites and exfiltrated it to a malicious domain specified in the C&C payload.

Critical Apache Tomcat Vulnerabilities Allow RCE & DoS

Summary

OEMApache
SeverityCritical
CVSS9.8
CVEsCVE-2024-50379, CVE-2024-54677
Exploited in WildYes
Patch/Remediation AvailableYes
Advisory Version1.0

Overview

Recent vulnerabilities in Apache Tomcat, identified as CVE-2024-50379 and CVE-2024-54677, present significant security threats, including remote code execution (RCE) and denial-of-service (DoS) risks. CVE-2024-50379 exploits a race condition during JSP compilation on case-insensitive file systems, enabling attackers to run arbitrary code. CVE-2024-54677 takes advantage of unlimited file uploads in example applications to trigger resource exhaustion.

Vulnerability NameCVE IDProduct AffectedSeverityAffected Version
Race Condition Vulnerability CVE-2024-50379ApacheCriticalApache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.1 Apache Tomcat 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.33 Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.97
Uncontrolled Resource Consumption Vulnerability CVE-2024-54677ApacheMediumApache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.1 Apache Tomcat 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.33 Apache Tomcat 9.0.0.M1 to 9.0.97

Technical Summary

CVE IDSystem AffectedVulnerability DetailsImpact
CVE-2024-50379Apache TomcatA race condition during JSP compilation in Apache Tomcat allows attackers to upload malicious JSP files, leading to remote code execution. This occurs when the default servlet is configured with write permissions on a case-insensitive file system.    Remote Code Execution
CVE-2024-54677Apache TomcatThe examples web application in Apache Tomcat does not limit the size of uploaded data, enabling attackers to cause an OutOfMemoryError by uploading excessive amounts of data, leading to a denial of service.    Denial of Service

Remediation:

  • Upgrade Apache Tomcat to the latest fixed versions:
    • Apache Tomcat 11.0.2 or latest
    • Apache Tomcat 10.1.34 or latest
    • Apache Tomcat 9.0.98 or latest

Recommendations:

  • Configuration Hardening:
    • Restrict write permissions for the default servlet to prevent unauthorized JSP file uploads.
    • Remove or disable example applications to reduce exposure to potential attacks.
  • Monitor and Audit:
    • Regularly review server logs for signs of exploitation attempts.
    • Apply a robust file upload policy to limit sizes and validate content.
  • Regularly update all your software’s to address security vulnerabilities 

References:

Blue Yonder SaaS giant breached by Termite Ransomware Gang

The company acknowledged it is investigating claims by a public threat group linked to the November ransomware attack. 

Continue Reading

Advisory on MUT-8694: Threat Actors Exploiting Developer Trust in Open-Source Libraries

MUT-8694: Threat Actors Exploiting Developer Trust in Open-Source Libraries

Overview

In November 2024, a supply chain attack designated as MUT-8694 was identified, targeting developers relying on npm and PyPI package repositories. This campaign exploits trust in open-source ecosystems, utilizing typosquatting to distribute malicious packages. The malware predominantly affects Windows users, delivering advanced infostealer payloads.

MUT-8694 Campaign Details

The threat actors behind MUT-8694 use malicious packages that mimic legitimate libraries to infiltrate developer environments. The campaign employs techniques such as:

  • Typosquatting: Using package names that closely resemble popular or legitimate libraries.
  • Payload Delivery: Embedded scripts download malware such as Blank Grabber and Skuld Stealer hosted on GitHub and repl.it.
  • Targeted Ecosystems: npm and PyPI, critical platforms for developers.

             Source: Datadog

Key Findings

One identified package, larpexodus (version 0.1), executed a PowerShell command to download and run a Windows PE32 binary from github[.]com/holdthaw/main/CBLines.exe. Analysis revealed the binary was an infostealer malware, Blank Grabber, compiled from an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Further inspection of the repository exposed another stealer, Skuld Stealer, indicating the involvement of multiple commodity malware samples.

Capabilities of Malware

The deployed malware variants include advanced features that allow:

  • Credential Harvesting: Exfiltrating usernames, passwords, and sensitive data.
  • Cryptocurrency Wallet Theft: Targeting and compromising crypto assets.
  • Application Data Exfiltration: Stealing configuration files from popular applications

Affected Packages

Some known malicious packages include:

  • larpexodus (PyPI): Executes a PowerShell script to download malware.
  • Impersonations of npm libraries: Host binaries leading to infostealer deployment.

Remediation:

To mitigate the risks associated with this attack, users should:

  • Audit Installed Packages: Use tools like npm audit or pip audit to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Validate Package Sources: Verify package publishers and cross-check names carefully before installation.
  • Monitor Network Activity: Look for unusual connections to GitHub or repl.it domains.
  • Use Security Tools: Implement solutions that detect malicious dependencies.

General Recommendations:

  • Avoid downloading software from unofficial or unverified sources.
  • Regularly update packages and dependencies to the latest versions.
  • Conduct periodic security awareness training for developers and IT teams.

References:

Godot Hijacked with Malware to infect Thousands of PC’s

Godot is a platform that host open source game development, where new Malware loader installed in its programming language

At least 17,000 devices were infected with infostealers and cryptojackers so far.

As per researchers cyber criminals have been building malicious code written in GDScript (Godot’s Python-like scripting language) calling on some 200 GitHub repositories and more than 220 Stargazer Ghost accounts.

Earlier hackers targeted the open sources gaming platform targeting users of the Godot Gaming Engine and researcher’s spotted that GodLoader would drop different malware to the infected devices mostly in RedLine stealer, and XMRig, a popular cryptojacker.

GodLoader, the researchers further explained, was downloaded at least 17,000 times, which is a rough estimate on the number of infected devices. However, the attack surface is much, much larger.

Check Point argues that in theory, crooks could hide malware in cheats, cracks, or modes, for different Godot-built games. Check Point detected four separate attack waves against developers and gamers between September 12 and October 3, enticing them to download infected tools and games.

Looking at the number of popular games developed with Godot, that would put the attack surface at approximately 1.2 million people.

Hackers delivered the GodLoader malware through the Stargazers Ghost Network, a malware Distribution-as-a-Service (DaaS) that masks its activities using seemingly legitimate GitHub repositories.

Technical Details

Godot does not register a file handler for “.pck” files. This means that a malicious actor always has to ship the Godot runtime together with a .pck file. The user will always have to unpack the runtime together with the .pck to the same location and then execute the runtime.

There is no way for a malicious actor to create a “one click exploit”, barring other OS-level vulnerabilities. If such an OS-level vulnerability were used then Godot would not be a particularly attractive option due to the size of the runtime.

LogoFAIL Exploited to Deploy Bootkitty, the first UEFI bootkit for Linux

Researchers have uncovered the first UEFI bootkit designed specifically for Linux systems, named Bootkitty.

Continue Reading
Scroll to top